Anti-racism campaigners march in central Belfast

Several thousand anti-racism protesters have gathered in Belfast city center for another demonstration on the back of a week of violence and disorder.

The rally was organized by a collective of organisations, including the trade union movement, United Against Racism and End Deportations Belfast.

Political representatives were among those in attendance.

Placards with “Ulster says no to racism” and “Ulster says yeo to diversity” were among those waved.

In a statement ahead of the march, a spokesperson for United Against Racism said: “Belfast is an inclusive and diverse city that will not be bowed down by racist hate.”

They added: “Violent racists must not be allowed to control our streets or control the narrative around the problems facing our communities.”

The event secured the support of the Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (NIC-ICTU) which urged its members to join the march.

One protester taking part in Saturday’s march said the event was about “reclaiming our streets.”

As they marched down Royal Avenue, the crowds chanted “Whose streets? Our streets” and “Belfast is anti-racist.”

Mairead Sullivan and her daughter Nora also attended the parade and said they would protest every week if they needed to.

Mairead was born in Belfast but her family moved to the United States to escape the Troubles.

She returned 12 years ago with her own family and said she doesn’t want to see a return to “the dark days”.

It is the second large gathering of anti-racism campaigners within two days in the center of Belfast.

On Friday More than 1,000 people gathered outside Belfast City Hall to oppose an anti-immigration protest at the same location.

The anti-racism activists outnumbered the anti-immigration protesters by about five to one.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) ensured the opposing sides were kept apart and both groups dispersed peacefully after Friday’s demonstrations.

The rallies followed days of sporadic rioting and disorder in several parts of the city during which police officers were attacked by people throwing petrol bombs and masonry.

There have also been a number of racist attacks on people, homes and businesses.

One man was seriously injured when attackers stamped on his head during an assault in the Donegall Road/Oban Street area on Monday night.

A number of family homes and businesses were damaged in racially-motivated attacks throughout the week.

These include an estate agency on Woodvale Road which was rammed by a gang in a hijacked car.

People from ethnic minorities who have made Northern Ireland their home have spoken out about their fear of being targeted during the violence.

A trustee of the Belfast Multi-Cultural Association (BMCA) said on Friday that his own family had not left the house for a week.

United Against Racism Belfast said they wanted Saturday’s march to “inspire confidence in all who have been intimidated and are fearful in their own homes.”

In anticipation of the possibility of further disorder this weekend, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) canceled leave and asked officers to work on remaining days.

The PSNI is also receiving support from Police Scotland which is to send 120 officers to Belfast to help quell the threat of violence.